Definition of Intellectual Wellness
Intellectual wellness encourages us to engage in creative and mentally-stimulating activities. These activities should expand your knowledge and skills while allowing you to share your knowledge and skills with others. Intellectual wellness can be developed through academics, cultural involvement, community involvement and personal hobbies. As intellectual wellness develops, you are able to develop personal resources that work together with the other realms of wellness in order to be achieve a more balanced life.
Why is Intellectual Wellness Important?
Intellectual wellness encourages learning. It is important to explore new ideas and understandings in order to become more mindful and better-rounded. Having an optimal level of intellectual wellness inspires exploration. Intellectual wellness also stimulates curiosity. Curiosity is important because it motivates you to try new things and develop an understanding of how you see the relationship between yourself, others and the environment.
The Route to Intellectual Wellness
In order to begin the route to intellectual wellness, you must remember to be open-minded. Be open to new ideas, new cultures, new knowledge, new skills and new environments. When you have an open mind, the world is truly yours. This allows you to explore issues relating to problem solving, critical thinking, learning and creativity. Below is a list of suggestions for you to adopt in order to enhance your intellectual wellness.
- Be open-minded.
- Listen. When you participate in active listening you are able to fully comprehend the information that is being given to you.
- Pick up a hobby. Hobbies are great ways to increase your skill set. They can also be fun!
- Travel. The best way to gain knowledge as well as an appreciation for another culture is to experience it yourself.
- Express your creative side by exploring different avenues of creativity and artistic expressions.
Intellectual Wellness Resources
There is no single way to enhance your intellectual wellness. Intellectual wellness can be developed through a multitude of activities and below is a list of UC Davis and outside organization resources to help you start your route to intellectual wellness.
UC Davis Resources
| UC Davis Extension offers continuing and professional education opportunities for all. UC Davis Extension's mission is to provide lifelong learning opportunities that transform the lives of people, organizations and communities. Learn more about UC Davis Extension. | 
Available for All |
| The Mondavi Center explores the full range of the performing arts, from the traditional to the innovative. They provide outstanding cultural programming, support for the University's academic departments, and a professional laboratory to train students in the performing arts. Students of any school affiliated with UC Davis get into shows at reduced prices. Learn more about the Mondavi Center. | 
Available for All |
| The Experimental College (EC) is a part of a movement on university campuses to bring alternative voices to the University culture. The EC offers a variety of courses and provides an outlet for individuals to share their interests and learn skills in an informal setting. Learn more about the EC. | 
Available for All |
| The News Service distributes current campus and local news, science and research updates. The UC Davis News Service also maintains a campus calendar with upcoming events and important dates. Learn more about UC Davis News. | 
Available for All |
| The Internship and Career Center (ICC) advances the mission of the University by providing experimental education and career services to student and recent alumni through collaboration with the campus community and employers. Learn more about the ICC. | 
Available for All Registered UC Davis Students |
| There are five libraries at the UC Davis campus. UC Davis libraries and collections are a treasure trove of everything from books to journals and special collections. The largest, Shields Library, is the most popular UC Davis library. Learn more about the University Library. | 
Available for All Registered UC Davis Students, Staff and Faculty |
| The UC Davis Craft Center offers more than 90 classes each quarter. The courses are small, providing a lot of hands-on experience and one-on-one attention. The Craft Center provides a comfortable, encouraging atmosphere in which you can explore and develop creative skills. Learn more about the Craft Center. | 
Available for All Community Members 18 and Up |
| Study Abroad is an integral part of a UC Davis education. Through academic coursework, internships and experiential learning, UC Davis Study Abroad provides every UC Davis student the opportunity to graduate with an international experience. Learn more about Study Abroad. | 
Available for All Registered UC Davis Students |
| The Student Academic Success Center (SASC) helps students thrive at UC Davis and beyond by providing academic, personal, social and transitional support. Utilizing a holistic approach, the SASC develops services which empower students to take responsibility for their learning. Learn more about the SASC. | 
Available for All Registered UC Davis Students |
Additional UC Davis Resources
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UC Davis Bookstore - The UC Davis Bookstore offers a variety of books, magazines, supplies and other products to help you explore various topics.
Center for Leadership Learning (CLL) - The CLL aims to educate and cultivate the next generation of leaders who have a strong sense of self-awareness, have the ability to work effectively with others and who are civically and socially engaged.
Additional Resources
International House Davis (I-House) is a non-profit, community-based organization. I-House promotes respect and appreciation for all people and cultures by encouraging a global community by providing many opportunities for cross-cultural interactions and exchange. Learn more about the I-House.
The Davis Art Center offers more than 300 classes each season in visual arts, dance, drama, writing and other disciplines for children, teens and adults. Learn more about the Davis Art Center.
